Adjustable livestock panel

ABSTRACT

This invention is an expandable or retractable fence panel for adjusting fence runs and quick changing corral sizes.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of livestockfencing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] The fencing art is very old, including the introduction of wirefencing at the turn of the century. Recently, with the advent of largefeed lots, there arises a need for fencing which is flexible in itssizing. It is overly cumbersome to re-string wire, and it is sometimesnecessary to divide pens into smaller areas and not necessarily areas ofequal size.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A first object of the invention is to provide a fence panel ofadjustable length which can be used to create fencing that will fit inconjunction with other fencing panels that can extend 14 feet orcollapse to 8 feet.

[0004] A second object of the invention is providing a panel that canact as a gate with the appropriate hinge attachment.

[0005] A third object of the invention is a modular design which allowsease of manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of fence panel.

[0007]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a fence panel.

[0008]FIG. 3 shows an isolation view of a connecting bolt.

[0009]FIG. 4 shows a front view in extension mode.

[0010]FIG. 5 shows a top view of fence panel.

[0011]FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a clamp portion.

[0012]FIG. 7 shows a sectional view through top bar.

[0013]FIG. 8 shows an isolated view.

[0014]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of alternate embodiment panel.

[0015]FIG. 10 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment panel.

[0016]FIG. 11 shows isolation on clamp.

[0017]FIG. 12 shows sectional view of clamp.

[0018]FIG. 13 shows front view of expanded alternate embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 14 shows exploded view of alternate embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a fence panel having a top rail 1 and at least twovertical sides 2. In a preferred embodiment there are multiple middlerails 3. The rails 1 and 3 are made from round or box-ended tubing orangle iron, such that one side telescopes or lays within the other side.The telescoping components are then clamped into place with angle ironclamps or bolts that run through the tubing and compress against theinner tubing for a friction fit. In an alternate embodiment a holepattern is drilled in one tube to allow a pin or bolt to lock the widthof the panel at preselected lengths. These panels can be used inconjunction with standard fencing material to complete a fence run witha final dimension. This fencing is sturdy and durable and capable ofperforming as a permanent corral or section thereof, even with heavystock use.

[0021] In an alternate embodiment the fencing can be made of lightermaterials such as aluminum and have electrical insulation and conductorsto prevent stock from over-burdening the lighter materials.

[0022] This invention contemplates the insertion of a smaller crosssection bar into a larger cross section bar of different cross sectionshape as well. This invention also contemplates intermediate verticalsupports.

[0023] The invention contemplates welding multiple members at 90° anglesand contemplates bending members into an “L” or a “U” shape to form anouter framework.

[0024] Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations ofthe present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Itis, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fence panel comprising at least two uprightmembers and at least one cross member attached to each of said uprightmembers wherein one of said cross members mates with said other crossmember to form a supportive frame.
 2. A fence panel as described inclaim 1 wherein said mating of said cross members is parallel inorientation.
 3. A fence panel as described in claim 2 wherein saidmating is telescopic.
 4. A fence panel as described in claim 1 whereinsaid members have cross sections selected from the following group:rectangular, square, round, oval, triangular, flat bar and angle iron.5. A fence panel as described in claim 1 wherein a material for saidmembers is selected from the following materials: thermoplastic, resins,nylon, duralon, steel, iron, aluminum, alloy, titanium, chromimoly,fiber glass, composite, and magnesium alloy.
 6. A fence panel asdescribed in claim 1 further comprising means for holding the crossmembers position relative to each other.
 7. A fence panel as describedin claim 6 wherein said means comprises at least one clamp.
 8. A fencepanel as described in claim 6 wherein said means comprises at least onebolt through a cross member. 9 A fence panel as described in claim 6wherein said means comprises at least one pin through both crossmembers.